I used to believe that I had a decent grasp of English as my second language, but now "The Last of the Mohicans" is completely crushing my self-esteem. This question is about one sentence, but I actually got quite a few I don't fully understand.
I am asking about the last sentence here:
“With joyful pleasure do I consent”, said David, adjusting his iron-rimmed spectacles, and producing his beloved little volume, which he immediately tendered to Alice. “What can be more fitting and consolatory, than to offer up evening praise, after a day of such exceeding jeopardy!”
Alice smiled; but, regarding Heyward, she blushed and hesitated.
“Indulge yourself,” he whispered; “ought not the suggestion of the worthy namesake of the Psalmist to have its weight at such a moment?”
Full book: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/940/940-h/940-h.htm)
I believe I understand the main idea. He says: "Ok, Alice, you can go ahead and indulge in singing psalms" (not in alcohol, drugs, and/or promiscuity; 18th century indulgence/vibing is also crushing my self-esteem, but that's a separate topic). The details of the second part of the phrase, however, are really vague to me. Here are my questions:
- "He" is Heyward?
- "Ought not the suggestion" = "Isn't the idea/proposal"?
- "Worthy namesake of the psalmist" = David (the psalmist)?
- Why namesake? Namesake implies two entities/people having same name. If one is the psalmist, who is the second one?
- Why "worthy"? Is it an irony in this context? Or a legit compliment?
- What does "its" refer to? Namesake? Suggestion? Or something outside of this sentence?
- Am I correct that "To have" is part of "Ought not ... to have"? Is this grammatically correct: "Ought not we to have some fun?"
- "To have its weight" = "to take place"/"to be implemented"? Is he implying some importance (weight) of the activity?
After rethinking all this again while writing those questions, I feel my closest interpretation is:
Heyward whispered; "Shouldn't the proposal of the great Psalmist (aka David) be implemented at such a right moment"?
Is that correct? If someone could please answer my nerdy questions, especially #4, #5, and #8, I would really appreciate.